The state monopoly Russian Railways has started bringing in workers from India: the first 35 Indians have joined the ranks of the Kuibyshev Infrastructure Directorate, a division of the company that serves several regions of the Volga region, reported “Govorit Nemoskva” informed sources. According to them, it’s difficult to recruit local residents for these positions, and the salaries offered to Indian workers are the same as those offered to Russian applicants. On the HH.ru recruitment service website, some of the vacancies are still open. For example, a roadmaster is offered a salary of 130,000 to 150,000 rubles per month, a locomotive driver – up to 91,000, and an energy dispatcher – up to 90,000.
The new workers from India were met at the airport by the deputy director for personnel and social issues, Igor Kreschenko, writes the “Kuibyshev Railwayman” newspaper. They were provided with a transfer, accommodation, and registration for migration. The adaptation program includes lectures on corporate culture and tours of the region’s attractions. However, in October 2025, Russian Railways announced plans to reduce its staff by 6%. How the staff reduction aligns with the organized import of foreign workers, the company does not explain. The situation was noted by the deputy of the Samara City Duma, Dmitry Aseev. “Russian Railways, due to the difficult economic situation, have embarked on a course of staff reduction. We’re cutting our own staff, while importing workers from India,” wrote Aseev on his Telegram channel (The Moscow Times).
